NTSB Factual Report

On July 1, 2005, about 1935 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Bellanca 7GCBC airplane, N88110, sustained substantial damage when it collided with the waters of Lake Hood during initial climb after takeoff from the Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was en route to Sterling, Alaska, and no flight plan was filed, nor was one required.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on July 2, the pilot reported that he was performing a glassy water takeoff from the west waterlane of Lake Hood. He indicated that he lifted off the water at 45 mph, and began a climb at 55 mph. The airplane then rolled to the right and descended toward the water. The right wing and right float assembly struck the water and the airplane overturned. The pilot and passenger were both wearing inflatable jackets, and exited the airplane. A family pet did not escape from the airplane. The pilot said the engine was producing power during the accident sequence.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations inspector, Anchorage Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), responded to the accident scene, and reported that the airplane contained about 30 gallons of fuel. The float compartments contained additional fuel containers, an anchor, and rope. An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the airplane as it sat on a trailer on July 5, after the pilot recovered and partially disassembled the airplane. The inspector reported that the airplane's flap handle was set at 10 degrees. He did not indicate that he observed any mechanical malfunction.

In the Pilot/Operator Aviation Accident Report (NTSB FORM 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, the pilot indicated that the water surface was glassy, with a variable wind from the north. During the takeoff run, the pilot stated that he lifted the left float out of the water, then the right float, and accelerated for a climb. He said that when the airplane reached about 50 feet, it began a "very fast uncommanded roll to the right, and control forces went to zero." The pilot also indicated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure.

At 1957, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) at Lake Hood Seaplane Base was reporting, in part: Wind, calm; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, few at 3,800 feet, 10,000 feet broken; temperature, 72 degrees F; dew point, 53 degrees F; altimeter, 29.71 inHg.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent uncontrolled descent into a lake. A factor contributing to the accident was an inadvertent stall.